There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family.

There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family. From doing activities together to creating a space just for her, these are some easy ways you can strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend.

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.

In the autumn, falling leaves and dried-out weeds release clouds of irritating particulate matter into the air, right where your dog is waiting to inhale them. As pets move indoors to escape the cold, mite allergies may develop.

Dogs trap allergens in their extensive sinuses. Fur is also a natural magnet for dust and particles, which means that your dog could be covered -- inside and out -- in triggering pollens. Add to that a warm autumn where the fleas are still around and you have one unhappy dog.

Dog allergies manifest in several ways, but the symptom most commonly recognized by owners is itching. Some pets chew their feet raw, some rub their noses, and others lick their bellies until they are red. Then there are the dogs that are too busy itching to get a full nights' sleep, yet their skin looks perfectly fine.

No matter the time of year, veterinarians usually treat environmental allergies with a combination of methods, depending on the severity of the symptoms. These options can include:

If you suspect your pet may have allergies, see your veterinarian for an evaluation. It is a chronic and sometimes frustrating disease condition, but in most cases it is manageable if you determine the cause early in the course of the disease.

Dr. Jessica Voselsang is a small animal veterinarian and pet aficionado from San Diego, Calif. When she's not at work or with her family of two and her four-legged creatures, you can find her blogging about life with pets at PawCurious.com.

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